From one beast to another
Patrick Willis is a beast, and if anyone knows just how good the tackling machine that plays linebacker for the 49ers is it’s the Seahawks.
They face him twice a season as NFC West rivals and the five-time Pro Bowler has put up some staggering stats against the Seahawks: 16 tackles in a 2007 game; 12 tackles and an 86-yard interception return for a touchdown in 2008; another 16-tackle game in 2009; an 11-tackle game in 2010; and a fumble recovery and pass defensed in a game last season.
But this beast also knows one when he tries to tackle one. Asked during an interview on ESPN to name the toughest player in the NFL to bring down, Willis went with Marshawn Lynch, the Seahawks’ Beast Mode back, as well as Steven Jackson of the Rams.
“Man, that’s a hard question,” Willis said. “I have two great backs in my division with Marshawn Lynch and Steven Jackson, so I’m going to have to go with those two.”
You can watch the Willis interview here, and the toughest-to-tackle question concludes the Q&A.
Tuesday cyber surfing: A different kind of star turn for Lynch
NEW YORK – Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, April 3:
Eric Williams at the New Tribune has the details on Marshawn Lynch’s latest star turn: “Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch crashed through the front door of a bank with a ski mask over his head, toting a rifle in an apparent bank heist. But Lynch, who recently signed a four-year, $32 million deal to stay in Seattle, certainly doesn’t need cash. He’s just exploring a new hobby as an actor, playing a small role as a tough guy in the movie “Matt’s Chance” by Seattle filmmaker Nicholas Gyeney. ‘I saw that in ‘Call of Duty,’ joked Lynch, crouching with his rifle aimed at one of his fellow bank robbers at the conclusion of the scene.”
Bob Condotta at the Seattle Times reports on the passing of motivational speaker Lou Tice, who was an influence on Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, among others: “In 2002, Tice played a critical role in the formation of ‘A Better LA,’ a nonprofit foundation Carroll formed in Southern California while he was the USC football coach with the aim of reducing violence in the city. ‘He’s helped me figure out my approach and my philosophy,’ said Carroll, the Seahawks’ coach since 2010. ‘He has done way more than that. He has been a global contributor for change.’ “
The bloggers at ESPN.com held their own mock draft, and NFC West blogger Mike Sando reviews his selections for the team in the division – including the Seahawks at No. 12: “I wondered going into the mock whether Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly might be available for Seattle in this slot. Would the team take an inside linebacker that early? San Francisco fared well taking Patrick Willis with the 11th pick in 2007. Scot McCloughan, now a top Seahawks personnel executive, was the driving force behind the Willis decision. Would the Seahawks see Kuechly in a similar light? They do need help at linebacker, after all. The thought became a fleeting one when Kuechly went to Carolina at No. 9. That made it easier to focus on the highest-rated pass-rushers. Quinton Coples was the choice because he seemed to be the most talented one available, based on scouting reports.”
Here at Seahawks.com, well, we are here – in New York City – for today’s unveiling of the team’s new uniform: “It’s the event a lot of fans have been waiting for – and yes, some even clamoring for – especially those in Seahawks Nation. With Nike taking over as the supplier to the league, after Reebok’s 10-year deal with the NFL expired over the weekend, the new uniforms for each team will be unveiled Tuesday in New York. Nike, the league and the individual teams have been clandestine and then some when it comes to keeping the details of just what to expect under wraps. But whenever the innovative, swoosh-driven company from Beaverton, Ore., gets involved you can bet we’re talking about a whole different uni-verse from what the Seahawks have been wearing the past 10 seasons.”
And the folks at NFL.com linked to our story about the new uniforms and the comments from former Oregon cornerback Walter Thurmond, who knows more than most about the Nike way of doing things: “They change the uniforms (at Oregon) every two years, so I got my opportunity to wear a couple different ones,” Thurmond said. “… I think (Seahawks chairman) Paul Allen wanted an upgrade as far as the jerseys are concerned. I think the Nike team did a great job.”
Yes, it’s Tuesday. But Peter King’s “Monday Morning Quarterback” at SI.com hadn’t been posted in time to include it yesterday.
Monday cyber surfing: Seahawks on the ‘plus’ side
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, April 2:
Mike Sando at ESPN.com passes out free-agency grades for the teams in the NFC West and gives the Seahawks a B-plus. Says Sando: “The Seahawks knew for months that (Peyton) Manning would probably hit the market and still could not secure a meeting with him. Their pursuit included a flight by coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider to Denver in a desperation move that failed to impress Manning. That was a rare disappointment for Seattle in free agency. Re-signing Marshawn Lynch before the signing period took off much of the pressure. Re-signing Red Bryant without using the franchise tag rewarded the Seahawks for a disciplined approach to the market. That approach paid off again when the Seahawks landed (Matt) Flynn without rushing into an imprudent contract. Flynn spent five days on the market before signing with Seattle. The Seahawks got him for about half as much per season as Kolb cost a year ago, without even promising him the starting job. That was impressive.”
Also at ESPN.com, Trent Dilfer, Mel Kiper Jr. and Chris Mortensen discuss the Seahawks’ acquisition of Flynn in this video report. Says Mortensen: “The Seahawks stole him.”
Alex Marvez at FoxSports.com examines the NFL’s new offseason, which was a result of the CBA that ended last year’s lockout: “The NFL Players Association successfully pushed for rules that would prohibit some of the heavy demands — spoken or inferred — being placed upon its members during “voluntary” workouts. The charge was led by legitimate concerns that the offseason was becoming anything but off. Coaches annually pushed players in classrooms, conditioning and on-field sessions for nearly four months before training camps opened in late July. That grind is over. For teams with returning head coaches or 2011 interim replacements who were later named to the position such as Kansas City’s Romeo Crennel, the workouts and Xs-and-Os sessions that would have normally begun by now can’t start until April 16. First-year head coaches can begin working with their players on Monday. Both sets of coaches face greater restrictions than in the past and stern NFL fines if they don’t comply. Programs can no longer be run more than four days a week or on weekends. Players also must be eased into on-field work. For the first two weeks, only strength and conditioning coaches are allowed to work with players on the field. Quarterbacks can throw to their wide receivers, but defensive backs aren’t allowed to cover them. These restrictions continue for the next three weeks until after the NFL draft when coaches are allowed to conduct limited football workouts. Any type of offense vs. defense drill is banned. The final four weeks that fall under the CBA’s phase three heading are more customary but still curtailed compared to previous offseason work. Teams can hold one minicamp and 10 organized team practice activity sessions. One-on-one drills between offensive and defensive players are not permitted, although special teams can be practiced provided there is no contact. Helmets are allowed but shoulder pads remain outlawed.”
NFL.com has completed its quest to determine the greatest NFL team of all-time, and the winner is … the 1976 Raiders: “While the 1976 Raiders rampaged to a 13-1 regular-season finish and ransacked the Vikings in Super Bowl XI, glory for the Silver and Black through a 64-team tournament of the greatest teams in NFL history came at the slightest of margins. A total of 5.2 million votes were cast by fans on NFL.com throughout the tournament, and in the final the 1976 Raiders edged the 2000 Ravens by the slimmest of margins – winning 50.4 percent to 49.6 percent.” The ’76 season also was the first for the expansion Seahawks, but then didn’t play the Raiders because they spent their inaugural season in the NFC West before switching to the NFC West until realignment put the Seahawks back in the NFC West in 2002.
The A team
The Seahawks have not made a move in free agency since running back Kregg Lumpkin agreed to terms a week ago. But Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. likes what the team has done during the first three weeks of free agency.
Williamson has passed out grades for all 32 NFL teams and the Seahawks are one of seven to earn an A – along with the 49ers, Rams and Buccaneers from the NFC; and Bills, Broncos and Chiefs from the AFC. It is an Insider item at ESPN.com, so registration and a fee is required to read the entire article.
But here’s what he had to say about the Seahawks: “This is an up-and-coming football team. While I am not the biggest (Matt) Flynn believer, he is a clear improvement at the most important position on the field – so I can’t argue with that acquisition, especially at the price. Seattle is betting on Flynn, but they aren’t betting the farm. Keeping (Marshawn) Lynch in the fold should ensure that Flynn’s transition to his new team is smoother. Bringing back (Red) Bryant, the massive run-stuffer, was huge for this young defense, as was adding an exceptional complement to Bryant in (Jason) Jones, who is one of the better pure interior pass-rushers in the NFL. There are some big names on Seattle’s key-losses list, but in reality, this group’s value doesn’t compare to its name recognition. The Seahawks are on the rise.”
Lynch advances
Marshawn Lynch, the Seahawks’ Skittles-munching, Beast Mode-running leading rusher, has advanced to the next round in the competition to determine which player will grace the “Madden 13 NFL” cover.
Lynch joins a 32-player field – one from each NFL team – in the bracket-style event where fan balloting through April 25 will select which player will be on the cover of the popular video game. Lynch, an eighth seed in one of the 16-player brackets, is matched against Titans running back Chris Johnson in the first round.
You can vote for Lynch here through Sunday.
Wednesday cyber surfing: Carroll talks ‘Heater’
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, March 21:
Coach Pete Carroll did an interview with 710 ESPN yesterday and discussed free-agent middle linebacker David Hawthorne: “ ‘We love what David gave to us and brought to us,’ Carroll said. ‘This is free agency time, and, man, it can get hard.’ “
Not everyone was in all on Matt Flynn yesterday. Chris Burke at SI.com says the Seahawks went back to the future in acquiring the backup QB from the Packers: “Coming off a disappointing season in which they finished under .500 and missed the playoffs, the Seattle Seahawks found themselves in need of a starting quarterback. So they turned their attention to Green Bay, where a talented backup was stuck behind an entrenched starter. This all happened 11 years ago, of course, when Seattle pulled the trigger on a trade to snatch Matt Hasselbeck from Green Bay.”
Here at Seahawks.com, we look at why Carroll had a reason to smile even before the team got agreements over the weekend from Matt Flynn and Jason Jones: “ ‘Free agency for us was to get our own guys – that was the start of it,’ Carroll on Monday. And it started with the top two priorities: Retaining leading rusher Marshawn Lynch, without using the franchise tag; and getting an agreement with run-stuffing, kick-blocking defensive end Red Bryant before he could test the free-agent market. Check, and check. And check out what else Carroll, general manager John Schneider and vice president of football administration/salary cap guru/lead negotiator John Idzik were able to do before dipping into the pool of free agents from other teams. The club also reached agreements with Pro Bowl fullback Michael Robinson, versatile and valuable offensive linemen Breno Giacomini and Paul McQuistan; and linebacker/special teams standout Heath Farwell, who led the NFL in coverage tackles last season. ‘The fact that we were able to do that with Marshawn and come back with Red, Mike Robinson and on down the line, this has been really important to us,’ Carroll said.”
Mike Sando takes a look at the free agents who have visited each of the teams in the NFC West, including the Seahawks.
Jason La Canfora at NFL.com continues to track all the free agent activity around the league and you can follow along here.
It’s not all about free agency at Virginia Mason Athletic Center. The Seahawks also continue to prepare for the NFL Draft next month. Peter Schrager at FoxSports.com has a new mock draft this morning and he gives the Seahawks South Carolina DE/OLB Melvin Ingram with the 12th pick: “I loved the quiet re-signing of Red Bryant, one of the most underrated producers in the game, and picking up Jason Jones for one year was a “no-lose” move. Ingram solidified himself as a Top 20 pick with a dominant week of Senior Bowl practices in Mobile. Capable of playing either the outside linebacker or defensive end spot, he’s a pass-rushing force who can cover tight ends in the passing game, too. The Matt Flynn signing will steal all the headlines, but I love what Seattle’s doing with its D.”
Friday cyber surfing: It’s all about free agency
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, March 16:
Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. looks at five under-the-radar signings in free agency. It’s an “insiders” item at ESPN.com, so requires registration and a fee. But he includes the Seahawks retaining Red Bryant, and has this to say: “Bryant is one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL whom you’ve never heard of, and he had an outstanding 2011 season for the Seahawks. A massive defensive end, Bryant fits Seattle’s unique defensive front extremely well as a power strongside defensive end, where he is almost as much a 3-4 end as he is 4-3 end. Bryant is just entering the prime of his career, and while he is a decent pass-rusher, he is excellent at disrupting passing lanes. Bryant’s forte, though, is demolishing an offense’s strongside running game. With Alan Branch also locked up, the Seahawks’ young talented defense is just one more edge pass-rusher from knocking on the door of elite.”
Also at ESPN.com, Mike Sando looks at where at the NFC West stands after the first wave of free agency and makes two points that definitely are worth repeating. He includes Bryant among the best re-signings: “Defensive end Red Bryant in Seattle and cornerback Carlos Rogers in San Francisco. Both players earned new contracts. The Seahawks in particular made a strong positive statement. They have the youngest defense in the league. It’s important for them to set an example by paying the right players. Bryant is the type of self-made team player they want to build around. So is Chris Clemons, who is entering the final year of his deal and could warrant an extension, in my view. Teams are better off taking care of their own core players rather than overpaying for castoffs from other organizations. The 49ers have taken this route. Looks like the Seahawks are taking it as well.”
The other involves the misperception that the Seahawks would be big players for Mario Williams, and falls under “most overhyped storyline”: “Mario Williams to Seattle. The Seahawks showed no interest in the former Houston defensive end/outside linebacker. Looks like Buffalo was the only team interested in paying huge money for him. Why else would Williams spend three days visiting the Bills, make no other trips and then sign with Buffalo, a team that had to pay a premium to land a high-profile free agent?”
Danny O’Neil at the Seattle Times weighs in on why the Seahawks have yet to make a big free agent splash: “The Seahawks spent millions upgrading their offense in free agency last year. In 2012, they’re playing defense. Seattle has spent more time, not to mention money, keeping its team intact, as opposed to raiding other NFL rosters. The Seahawks have re-signed five players from last year’s team, and have yet to add an unrestricted free agent from another team. That may not do much in terms of earning national attention, but it is an important landmark in the rebuilding of a franchise.” Note: The Seahawks’ top priorities in free agency were retaining Marshawn Lynch, without using their franchise tag; and re-signing Red Bryant. They have done both, and then some.
Add Michael Robinson to that “taking care of their own” list, as the Pro Bowl fullback tweeted Thursday night that he’ll also remain with the team. Eric Williams at the News Tribune has the details: “Terms of Robinson’s deal were not disclosed, and a spokesman for the team indicated a deal has not been completed, but is expected. ‘12th Man, please(d) to announce I will be coming back next season! Time to win,’ Robinson posted on his Twitter account.”
Here at Seahawks.com, we look at the continuing quest to find a left guard – a position where 12 players have started since Steve Hutchinson left after the 2005 season: “Twelve. Yes, the Seahawks are fueled by the Power of 12, that din generated at CenturyLink Field by the team’s loyal and loud 12th Man fans. But that number also lives – and looms – hauntingly in franchise history, because that’s how many players the Seahawks have used to try and replace left guard Steve Hutchinson since he signed with the Minnesota Vikings in free agency following the team’s run to the Super Bowl in 2005. Wednesday, the club released No. 12 and retained No. 11, as Robert Gallery was waived and Paul McQuistan agreed to terms. And it happened on the same day that Hutchinson was making a free agent visit to Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Talk about what goes around comes around. Except that Hutchinson agreed to terms with the Tennessee Titans on Thursday.”
We’ve also got an item on the first thing Bryant plans to buy with the money from his new contract, courtesy of an interview he did with KJR’s Dave Mahler. You can listen to the entire interview here.
Pat Kirwan at CBSSports.com offers 10 things we’ve learned from free agency so far, including this one involving the Seahawks: “Day 3 critical for Seattle: The Seahawks had Matt Flynn and Jason Jones in for visits Thursday, and those are two very big recruits if the Seahawks want to get into the playoffs in 2012.”
John McGrath at the News Tribune agrees, saying the Seahawks need to sign Flynn: “Matt Flynn visited Seattle on Thursday. If Carroll and Schneider say goodbye to Flynn without offering him a big-time contract, they will regret it. A gamble? Of course he is. But this gamble has a payoff that could put the Seahawks in the playoffs.”
Peyton Manning’s first fling with free agency could be coming to a close, as NFL.com is reporting that the Dolphins are out and he is meeting again with the Broncos: “Quarterback Peyton Manning phoned the Dolphins personally on Thursday to tell them they have been removed from the running as potential suitors for his services, multiple sources told NFL.com’s Jeff Darlington Friday. While it has been widely believed over the last 24 hours that Manning would not sign with the Dolphins, neither side had formally removed themselves from the mix. That has now occurred.”
Having trouble envisioning Manning in anything but a Colts uniform – like Joe Montana playing for the Chiefs, or Johnny Unitas for the Chargers? Well, the folks at Panini American trading cards have the iconic QB as a Bronco, Cardinal, Titan and Dolphin, and it’s worth at look at NFL.com.
Also at NFL.com, Jason La Canfora offers one-stop shopping for the latest free agent developments.
Tuesday cyber surfing: March Madness, NFL version
Good morning, and welcome to the start of NFL free agency. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, March 13:
Bucky Brooks at NFL.com gets us in the mood – or more in the mood – as the former NFL wide receiver and scout for the Seahawks offers his all-free agent team. He’s got Red Bryant at one tackle spot: “Bryant has quietly put together a solid career in Seattle as a versatile player along the frontline. He is listed as a defensive tackle on the roster, but he plays like a quasi-five-technique in their hybrid defense. As a result, he is an attractive option for teams looking for a base end to fortify their defensive front.” He’s also got David Hawthorne as one of his linebackers: “Versatility is certainly valued in the NFL, particularly at the linebacker position. Hawthorne possesses the skills to play anywhere on the second level. He has been a productive playmaker controlling the tackle-to-tackle box, but also displays the athleticism and quickness to shoot gaps from a weakside linebacker alignment.”
Peter King at SI.com offers his Top 50 free agents, with Bryant at No. 15 (“Perfect 3-4 end, but can also excel inside in 4-3. Seattle wants to keep him”); and tight end John Carlson at No. 48 (“Missed last year with a torn labrum, but he should be back healthy in 2012”).
Eric Williams at the News Tribune looks at some possible free agents of interest for the Seahawks: “Armed with at least $30 million in cap space after the league announced the salary cap for the new league year will be $120.6 million, the Seahawks have other, big-name targets in mind, including Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams, Green Bay backup quarterback Matt Flynn and Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Paul Soliai.”
Danny O’Neil at the Seattle Times says there’s “a pretty strong buzz” that the Seahawks will pursue Williams, adding: “The Seahawks are not rebuilding so much as they are rebuilt. This offseason isn’t about addition, but avoiding attrition. The Seahawks wanted to re-sign running back Marshawn Lynch. They did. They still want to re-sign defensive end Red Bryant. Linebacker David Hawthorne led the team in tackles the past three years, and he’s a free agent. So is Leroy Hill, making K.J. Wright the only one of Seattle’s three starting linebackers signed for 2012. Beyond that, Seattle’s shopping list is shorter, and a lot more expensive. The Seahawks are seeking a quarterback and someone to sack the quarterback, which count as two of the four most expensive positions in an NFL budget.”
Here at Seahawks.com, we look at the growing trend that has team prioritizing their players in free agency: “Ask pretty much any fan of any NFL team about free agency and they want their team to sign any – and seemingly all – available free agents. Cost and salary-cap ramifications be damned. But there is a growing trend in the league that goes in exactly the opposite direction, and starts with targeting your own players. ‘Our first concern is to take care of our team and take care of the guys that are unrestricted (free agents) on our team and fit that back together,’ Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said. ‘We have some room (under the salary cap) and we’re going to be able to do some stuff. But we really want to focus on the guys on our team, and I want that to be a strong message – that we believe the guys that we have put together here are the foundation of a championship team.’ ”
We also continue our series of looks at potential free agents with the running backs.
Randy Moss is back in the league and with a new team – the division rival 49ers. Chris Burke at SI.com has a look at what Moss could mean to the defending NFC West champs: “It’s not as if teams just forgot to sign the eccentric 35-year-old before he announced his (albeit short-lived) retirement prior to last season. His 2010 campaign was a mess, filled with disappointing stops in New England, Minnesota and Tennessee. All told, he caught just 28 passes and looked like a guy on his last legs.”
Peyton Manning? His situation remains fluid, as the Colts’ former QB visited with the Dolphins on Monday (in Indy) and is expect to meet with the Titans today or tomorrow. Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter at ESPN.com say the Titans are trying to entice Manning by possibly signing Steve Hutchinson, the All-Pro guard for the Seahawks and Vikings: “One goal of signing Hutchinson would be to make Tennessee even more appealing to Manning, who is close to the guard from the time they’ve spent together at multiple Pro Bowls in Hawaii.”
Clark Judge at CBSSports.com looks at the potential losers in the sweepstakes to land Manning: “Barring a last-minute entry, Denver, Miami and Arizona are the finalists in the Peyton Manning Sweepstakes, with no indication when Manning makes a decision. The smart money is on Denver, but let’s be honest: Nobody knows who wins and when. What we do know, however, is who could lose – and I can identify at least five guys whose careers and reputations depend on Manning’s next move. They are the few, the proud, the vulnerable, and Manning’s decision has an immediate impact on all – with some affected if he joins them, and others if he does not.”
The NFLDraftScout.com guys have updated mock drafts at CBSSports.com, and they have the Seahawks taking a pitcher (QB Ryan Tannehill) and a catcher (Notre Dame’s Michael Floyd) at No. 12. Here’s Dane Brugler on Tannehill: “With running back Marshawn Lynch re-signed, the Seahawks need to stabilize the quarterback position and Tannehill would give the Seahawks a long-term answer under center. Despite a limited resume at the position, Tannehill has all the physical tools to develop into a quality NFL starter.”
Chad Reuters at NFL.com also has a new mock and gives the Seahawks LSU D-tackle Michael Brockers: “Coach Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider have been accumulating big, long athletes all over the defense – and Brockers fits that description. Even though his combine workout wasn’t as impressive as (Dontari) Poe’s, some teams still feel the redshirt sophomore has better game film.”
Vote for Lynch and Thomas; or don’t
There’s good news and there’s bad news about the Seahawks concerning the cover of the ridiculously popular Madden NFL video game.
The good news: Marshawn Lynch and Earl Thomas are the Seahawks’ candidates in the bracket-style competition to determine who will grace the cover of the 2013 game.
The bad news: Marshawn Lynch and Earl Thomas are the Seahawks’ candidates in the bracket-style competition to determine who will grace the cover of the 2013 game.
While it would be an honor, the distinction has become a dubious one – with its own title, “The Madden Curse.” It bit Shaun Alexander in 2007, when the NFL’s MVP from 2005 broke his left foot in the third game of the season. Others who have tasted the bittersweet that followed obvious success: Eddie George (2001), Daunte Culpepper (2002), Marshall Faulk (2003), Michael Vick (2004), Ray Lewis (2005), Donovan McNabb (2006), Vince Young (2008) and, last season, Peyton Hillis.
So, you can vote for Lynch and Thomas here. Or if you feeling superstitious, you can vote for players from other teams.
Wednesday cyber surfing: On Manning, and Lynch
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, March 7:
The big news around the league, of course, is where Peyton Manning might land now that the Colts have decided to part ways with their iconic QB. Mike Sando at ESPN.com offers his thoughts for the teams in the NFC West, including the Seahawks: “The team has a strong base of talent on defense. The running game finished strong last season, with Marshawn Lynch leading the league over the final nine weeks. Sidney Rice, Zach Miller and Doug Baldwin would give Manning weapons in the passing game. Miller was underutilized in the passing game last season. The team needed him in pass protection at times. Also, quarterback Tarvaris Jackson played hurt and held the ball too long. Manning would make fuller use of Miller and the other weapons. Seattle can also offer a talented left tackle if Russell Okung has better luck on the injury front. Seattle also has easily the most appealing facilities in the division. Like Arizona, Seattle can offer a low-key media atmosphere where Manning can focus on football, same as he did in Indy. Manning’s neck injuries remain a concern, but Seattle can offer something on that front as well. Team physician Stan Herring serves on the NFL’s Head, Neck and Spine Committee.”
Danny O’Neil at the Seattle Times also ponders where Manning might land, and offers this on the Seahawks: “It’s hard to come up with a reason why Seattle wouldn’t be interested. The Seahawks’ proliferation of close losses last season showed just how close they might be to contending, and they don’t have a long-term investment currently in place at quarterback. Also, it’s not like signing Manning would preclude the possibility of developing a younger quarterback behind him. The bigger question is whether Manning would want to come and play in the NFL’s most isolated outpost in a stadium that’s outdoors in a city known for precipitation.”
John Boyle at the Everett Herald asks the obvious regarding Manning, and also lets you vote on whether the Seahawks should pursue him: “Now the question for Seahawks – and every other team with a quarterback need, for that matter – is whether Manning is worth pursuing. Manning turns 36 later this month, and missed the entire 2011 season following a series of neck surgeries.”
Dave Boling at the News Tribune says the re-signing of Marshawn Lynch sends a message to the Seahawks’ other players, as well as their fans and even opponents: “No Richter activity was reported for the Puget Sound region Sunday evening, but an announcement from the Seattle Seahawks put the seismic monitors on alert for the next four years. Getting Marshawn Lynch signed to a four-year deal was a ground-shaking investment for a team that has so energetically urged its players and fans to buy in. For a reported $31 million ($18 million guaranteed), the Seahawks locked up one of the game’s most exciting backs through what can be expected to be the prime of his career. This tells Seattle fans: Yes, we hear you. We’re keeping this guy. He’ll keep you on your feet. This tells Seahawks players: You sell out completely, the way we ask, you’ll get paid. This tells rivals in the NFC West: Buckle up.”
Speaking of Lynch, the Seahawks’ leading rusher bought himself a new Seahawks “grill” and you have to see this video to truly appreciate it.
Here at Seahawks.com, nose tackle Brandon Mebane looks beyond the re-signing of Lynch to a couple of other potential free agents he’d like to see retained: “As Mebane sat in his cubicle in the locker room discussing the team re-signing leading rusher Marshawn Lynch this week, he couldn’t overlook the obvious. To Mebane’s left was the cubicle belonging to Red Bryant, Mebane’s best friend on the team and a player who blossomed into a run-stuffing, kick-blocking force in his first full season as a starter. To Mebane’s right was the cubicle of David Hawthorne, the middle linebacker who has led the team in tackles the past three seasons. ‘I’m happy they were able to get Marshawn re-signed,’ Mebane said. ‘But they’ve still got some things they’ve got to take care of.’ ”
The boys at CBSSports.com have a new round of mock drafts, and they have the Seahawks picking … Boston College middle linebacker Luke Keuchly, Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd (twice), Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill (twice) and Stanford guard David DeCastro. Rob Rang is one of those going with Floyd, and here’s why: “Many expect the Seahawks to consider a quarterback to compete with incumbent starter Tarvaris Jackson with this selection but in beating the New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens last year and matching up well with division champion San Francisco, the club may not be willing to reach to fill a perceived need. Don’t be surprised if Seattle instead turns their attention to other areas of concern like receiver or defensive line. With Sidney Rice’s durability a concern, Seattle might be hard-pressed to let Floyd slip by, especially after he erased any concerns about his speed with a 4.47 showing at 6-3, 220 pounds.”
